Le Mans is one of the most historically important race tracks ever, and after an entire century of being one of the most respected tracks, it still remains a place where one of the world’s most anticipated races happens each year. Having over a century of history itself, Bentley had a presence at Le Mans in the very beginning. 100 years ago, a Bentley raced the fastest lap at the very first Le Mans race, and 20 years ago in 2003, the #7 Bentley Speed 8 won Bentley’s 6th Le Mans victory.
To celebrate this incredible anniversary, Bentley has announced a Le Mans collection crafted by its respected Mulliner coachbuilding and bespoke division, consisting of 48 Continental GT and GTCs, each complete with an array of special touches that honor the intense and storied race. Like the Speed 8 race car they honor, these limited-edition cars are painted in Verdant Green with a Moonbeam Racing Stripe, and that’s just the beginning of the homage they pay to their racing hero forebear.
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The interior features the signature Bentley Rotating Display, however, instead of the regular central dial, there is a display showing a sliver of an engine valve from the Le Mans-winning 2003 Bentley Speed 8’s twin-turbocharged V8 engine. In addition, the typical analog clock was replaced by a 24-hour digital clock to honor the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The grille features the number 7, that of the winning car, and the painted number also serves as a reference to the Bentleys that won 5 Le Mans races between 1924 and 1930. The six victories are also honored with wreath emblems inlaid in the carbon fiber pieces inside, and the 650 horsepower and 664 lb/ft of torque that the 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine boasts honors the Speed 8’s incredible performance. 20 years since Bentley’s incredible 21st-century victory and 100 years since the epic stories of Le Mans all began, these cars are a testament to the glory of the race.
Sources: Bentley
